The General Manager: Marula Region of the Kruger National Park (KNP) Lucy Nhlapo officially unveiled four activity vehicles today, 4 December 2018 on behalf of KNP Management; which will be used to transport tourists with mobility challenge on game viewing activities.

The 14 - seater activity vehicles form part of the KNP Visitor Management Plan, and can lift weight up to a maximum of 250 kg.

“KNP aims to enhance the recognition for and appreciation of people with disabilities; including our tourists. We would like to ensure that the Park promotes access whilst creating an inclusive environment which provides wildlife experience for all, said Nhlapo.

During the launch, Nhlapo also indicated that it is a reality that people leaving with disabilities are still being discriminated against in some areas of our society. Some people are born with a disability; some get sick or have an accident that results in a disability whilst some develop disabilities as they age or at some point in their lives. People with disabilities use and enjoy the Park; and this important segment of the market should not be excluded from interacting with nature.

“We believe that the launch of the activity vehicles for people with mobility challenge will increase awareness and understanding as well as improving access to the tourists with disabilities; in particular the wheelchair users for their benefit and enjoyment. We place commitment to equity and diversity and these we can only achieve if we give access to everybody in our tourism offerings, regardless of their physical, intellectual of sensory capabilities”, concluded Nhlapo.

Some of the places of interest which provide Universal Access in the KNP are:

The Rhino Museum at Berg en Dal The Indigenous Nursery in Skukuza – which provides scent stimulation and sounds that enable visitors to enjoy nature through multiple senses The accessible Trail at Berg en Dal Camp The Elephant Interpretive Centre at Letaba Camp

Mr Paul Shabangu from Mpumalanga’s Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport was one of the guests who got an opportunity to test out the new Activity Vehicles for people with mobility challenge. Assisting him are the General Manager: Marula Region, KNP – Ms Lucy Nhlapo and the KNP Lead Fleet Manager, Mr Piet van Wyk. Van Wyk also explained the technicalities of the activity vehicles.

Ms Deliwe Sambo, also from the Department of the Public Works, Roads and Transport also experienced the new activity vehicles for a short game drive.

Mr Du Toit Nkambule, Manager: Office on Status for Disabled People – Mpumalanga Department of Social Development explained the purpose of the event held in Skukuza today. The Department has been instrumental in helping put up the programmes for people with disabilities in the KNP. Other stakeholders who formed part of the formalities for the day and shared their models of compliance on issues relating to employment equity were the SABC and Nedbank Group.